At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead and develop a team in People Services, shaping a new cloud system.
- Company: MAF International, a Christian not-for-profit using aviation for essential services.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, flexible remote work, and the chance to shape a new function.
- Other info: Join a small expert team with genuine influence and measurable impact.
- Why this job: Make a real impact by transforming People Services for 850 staff across 31 units.
- Qualifications: Experience in HR service delivery and strong knowledge of cloud HR systems.
The predicted salary is between 45000 - 55000 £ per year.
Lead People Services in a newly built People and Culture function - services, policy and a new cloud People system.
Location: Flexible, with a preference for the successful candidate to be based at one of our MAF International entities. MAF International is a Christian not-for-profit organisation that uses aviation to deliver essential services - medical evacuations, supplies, disaster relief and education - to remote communities across Africa and Asia Pacific. With an 80-year history, MAF International is undergoing a major transformation - integrating a historically federated structure into a single global organisation, with the goal of reaching more than 5,000 remote communities by 2045. Its new People Operations and Strategic Projects function is being built now, and this role helps shape it from the start.
Why this role matters
Every contract issued on time, every record accurate, every colleague able to self-serve in seconds rather than days - that is what strong People Services delivers, and it lets the wider organisation focus on its work. As People Services Manager you lead a core department in the new function, delivering three sub-functions - employee lifecycle management, policy management, and the People and Culture Management System (PCMS) - to around 850 staff across 31 units and 3 support offices, including some 120 internationally mobile staff. The timing could hardly be better. We’re implementing a brand-new cloud People system from the ground up, and you'll be its business owner - shaping service priorities, data quality, self-service and automation from day one, working with Digital/IT and implementation partners.
Responsibilities
- Lead and develop a team of People professionals across three sub-functions, including the PCMS Specialist, building a customer-centric, high-performance culture.
- Own People Services requirements for the PCMS - service priorities, data quality and access controls - working with Digital/IT, the vendor and implementation partners through go-live.
- Run employee lifecycle services - contracts, onboarding, transitions, offboarding and records - across all 31 units and 3 support offices, to clear service standards.
- Coordinate the People policy lifecycle - from specialist review and approval to publication and implementation: standardise wherever it helps, localise where it matters.
- Champion digital self-service and automation so our people spend their time on impact, not administration.
- Turn clean data into insight: your reporting feeds the analytics that drive organisation-wide decisions.
Qualifications, Skills & Experience
We're looking for an experienced People Services or HR service-delivery leader who can combine strategic thinking with practical delivery. You'll bring:
- Evidence of building and leading high-performance People service-delivery teams across multiple countries.
- A track record managing a People-services or shared-services function, including service standards, SLAs and continuous improvement.
- Strong knowledge of modern cloud HR systems and experience as business owner of an PCMS, including data quality and vendor management.
- Proven experience implementing global People policy frameworks and managing compliance across multiple jurisdictions.
- A process designer's mind with a customer's heart - efficiency that never loses sight of the person behind the ticket.
- Sharp attention to detail, sound knowledge of employment-law principles across jurisdictions, and the ability to balance global consistency with local realities.
- You share our vision, mission and values.
What we offer
A rare chance to build, not just run - you join as the function takes shape, with genuine influence on its design. Work from anywhere: this role is globally remote, because talent matters more than time zone. A small, expert team with real influence, in an organisation whose work has measurable impact.
People Services Manager employer: Maf UK
MAF UK is an exceptional employer that values its staff and fosters a supportive work culture, particularly in the role of Payroll, Pension and Treasury Manager. Located in Folkestone, Kent, employees benefit from a flexible part-time schedule, a non-contributory pension scheme, and opportunities for personal and professional growth within a Christian charity environment. The organisation prioritises employee well-being and offers a collaborative atmosphere where team members are encouraged to engage in spiritual reflection and community activities.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land People Services Manager
✨Join HR Networks
Get involved in HR-specific communities, like the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development (CIPD) and local HR meetups. This is a fantastic way to connect with industry professionals and learn about job openings before they even hit job boards!
✨Make Your Presence Known
Attend HR conferences and workshops in your area to network with potential employers. Don't be shy—introduce yourself, exchange business cards, and let them know you're keen on a full-time role in HR. Who knows, you might just land a friendly face at Maf UK!
✨Leverage Your University Connections
If you’re a recent grad or still in uni, tap into your career services and alumni network. Many universities have connections with companies looking for HR talent, so get those leads and apply through our website for a smoother application process.
✨Showcase Your HR Passion
Create content around HR topics you’re passionate about, like employee engagement or diversity initiatives. Share articles or insights on LinkedIn to demonstrate your knowledge and get noticed by recruiters. It’s a subtle yet effective way to show you’re the right fit for a full-time role at Maf UK.
We think you need these skills to ace People Services Manager
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your HR Skills:When you’re crafting your CV, make sure you highlight specific HR skills that are relevant to the role at Maf UK. Include any experience with recruitment processes, employee relations, or performance management, and don’t forget to mention your familiarity with HR software or tools that could give you an edge.
Tailor Your Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine, so tailor it to Maf UK and the specific HR role. Highlight your passion for people management and how your unique approach can help foster a positive workplace culture. Be sure to sprinkle in examples from your past experiences that illustrate your problem-solving abilities and interpersonal skills.
Include Relevant Certifications:If you’ve got any HR certifications or relevant training under your belt, be sure to showcase them! These qualifications can really set you apart from other candidates when applying for this full-time HR position at Maf UK. List them prominently on your CV to catch the hiring manager's eye.
Align with Company Culture:Make sure your application speaks to Maf UK's values and culture. Research the company and align your experiences or values with what they stand for. This will show them that you're not only a fit for the role but also for the overall vibe of the team and organisation.
How to prepare for a job interview at Maf UK
✨Brush Up on HR Best Practices
As you're diving into human resources, it’s crucial to be well-versed in the latest HR practices and legislation. Get familiar with key topics like employee engagement, talent acquisition, and diversity initiatives, as these could easily pop up in your interview with Maf UK.
✨Know Your Recruitment Tools
Most HR roles involve using various recruitment tools and ATS (Applicant Tracking Systems). Make sure you can comfortably discuss platforms like Workday or Greenhouse. If you've had direct experience, share those examples; if not, show your eagerness to learn!
✨Highlight Your People Skills
A full-time HR role at Maf UK will require strong interpersonal skills. Prepare to share stories that demonstrate how you’ve successfully navigated conflicts or supported team members in past experiences. Authenticity goes a long way in this field.
✨Stay Current with HR Trends
Being up to speed with current HR trends, like remote working protocols or mental health initiatives, can set you apart. Be ready to discuss how these trends could impact Maf UK and how you would contribute to adapting HR strategies.
